Wigan Warriors’ John Bateman is tipping Hull-born hooker Josh Hodgson to captain England this year.
With former England skipper Sean O’Loughlin hanging his boots up at the end of last season, Wane will be looking for a new man to take on the role ahead of the World Cup, which will be hosted by England this autumn.
Hodgson is one of the leading candidates for the role having co-captained Canberra Raiders since 2019 and the former Hull KR and FC man will almost certainly be involved in Shaun Wane’s long-term plans.
The likes of Jonny Lomax, James Roby, Luke Gale, Stefan Ratchford and Bateman himself are also in the running for the honour.
However, Bateman sees his former Raiders teammate Hodgson as the perfect man to lead England into the World Cup this year.
"I've played under some good captains in my time but, for me, the last two years I played over there with Josh Hodgson, he's one of the best,” Bateman said.
"Him and Sean O'Loughlin are two of the best captains I've been under.
"With Lockers retiring now, you'd look at someone like Hodgy to lead the country forward for me because of the way he goes about his business on and off the field.
"He knows when to say the right things at the right time and the lads really get behind him."
